FIX: Red X markings replacing images in Outlook

Oftentimes, images just don’t get displayed in Microsoft Outlook. Instead, what you get to see is an empty white space where the image should have been. Another tell-tale sign is that there is a red X inside the box, and you know something is wrong. Missing out on the images in your mail also isn’t the most pleasurable of experience either.

However, there sure are ways to set things right here. Also, given that an effective solution here requires tinkering with the registry values, it’s always wise to create a back-up of your registry prior to making any changes. And if you aren’t well versed with that, here is how you do it.

SOLVED: Red x symbols replace Outlook images

Now, before we get into ways to deal with the issue, it could be worth it knowing what causes the error in the first place. One reason it happens is that the images might not have been embedded in the message in the first place, or maybe the below mentioned registry value is entirely absent or is not set.

1. Tweak your Registry

Here is how you proceed:

Type regedit in the taskbar search box and select Registry Editor.

With the options provided on the left panel, check:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Office > x.0 > Outlook

Go to Options > Mail

Here, the DWORD value on the right panel – Send Pictures With Document should have a value of 1.

(Here x.o refers to the specific version of Office installed on your system. For instance, with Office 2016, it should be 16.0, Office 2013 > 15.0, Office 2010 > 14.0).

If the above registry value isn’t set, you either have to add Send Pictures With Document with a value of 1, or change the existing Send Pictures With Document value to 1.